Twenty-Sixth Monday of Ordinary Time

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.  Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Jesus reminds his disciples and us that following him is not a question of greatness, but rather a quest for humility. If we want to be great in the kingdom of Heaven, then we must be the least in the world. We must be receptive of others, compassionate toward them in their times of need, and always listening to those who are in need of a friendly ear. In short, we must be a servant to all of God’s children. We must be willing to sacrifice everything we have to do God’s Will by knowing, loving and serving as Jesus did in his life.

Are we willing to sacrifice worldly success to do God’s Will? How are we cultivating a spirit of humility in our lives? Do we receive others like little children?

O Lord, let us receive others like little children.

Amen.